In spring of 2024, Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) carpentry student, Ashleigh Huxsahl, worked to attach siding to new home in Southeast Rochester. She and other carpentry students move about the construction site, working on different projects. The new construction was unusual in a well-established neighborhood, but the modest home would fit in perfectly with its neighbors.
RCTC had partnered with local nonprofits in the past to build homes and give students valuable experience, but this was the first time that RCTC was partnering with First Homes.
“The timing worked out perfectly,” explained First Homes’ Director of Projects, Justin Voss.
First Homes was preparing to build a new home in southeast Rochester when the new semester was getting underway. RCTC, who had partnered with Habitat for Humanity in the past, had no upcoming projects for their students.
Thus a partnership was formed.
RCTC Instructor, Aaron Davis, supervises and guides students as they transition from the classroom to the worksite.
“Learning encompasses everything from site layouts and framing to siding and everything that goes into building residential housing,” explained Davis.
As part of RCTC’s carpentry program, students had the opportunity to gain valuable real-life experience. Getting experience in the field is invaluable to the students who are working to establishing careers of their own.
Huxsahl, a Navy veteran, joined the RCTC carpentry program to gain the skills necessary to start her own business.
“I’m going to work in residential,” she explained, “then start my own company building modular houses.”
In addition to learning, students were excited to give back to their community.
This opportunity particularly appealed to Huxsahl who wants to establish her own business to help seniors right-size into more accessible homes. “This is an introduction to see what it’s all about and to get into building affordable houses,” Huxsahl explained. “I’m very excited to work with First Homes. It’s a win for First Homes, RCTC, and future buyers.”
The partnership between RCTC and First Homes was the first of its kind and served as a proof-of-concept, to see if future partnerships would be beneficial. The home that Huxsahl worked on was completed on time and sold to an income-qualified buyer.
Now, RCTC is getting ready to partner with First Homes on its third home.
“It has been a wonderful, mutually beneficial opportunity,” said First Homes Program Associate Emily Neville. “Our tagline is ‘benefiting families and communities,’ and this is just another way we can do both.”
When their project in Southeast Rochester was completed, students and their families were invited to a showcase to see the finished product. Huxsahl attended with family members, explaining the work that she and other students did.
“Building a house is a pretty unique school project,” commented Neville. “Everyone was so proud of their work.”
The home was sold to an income-qualified buyer and has led to two more similar projects between First Homes and RCTC. Both organizations are excited to continue this cooperative relationship that supports local residents, students, and future professionals.